Preparedness is a process, not a one-time event.

Preparing for a disaster (BEFORE)

  • Get to know your local area and what disasters you might experience.

    • Brisbane City Council has a Flood Awareness Map which helps you understand the likelihood of flooding on your property. Find the Flood Map here.

    • QLD Government provides a Bushfire Map to check if your area is at risk. Find the Bushfire Map here.

    • Queenslanders face many types of disasters, and it's important to be aware of them. Learn about different disasters here.

    • Local knowledge is valuable—talk to your neighbours about their experiences with local disasters.

    • Your local councillor's office is a great place to call or visit for more information about your area. Find your local councillor here.

  • Here are several examples of Emergency Plans to help guide you and your family in creating one.

    • For an interactive web-based plan to fill in, find a Get Ready one here.

    • For a fillable/printable plan to fill in, find a Red Cross once here.

    • For an app (remember to download and save your plan after completing it!), find the Red Cross app here.

    • For older people and people with disabilities, find a more in-depth plan here.

    • For those with pets, find a Get Ready plan for your pets here.

    Tip: Keep Your Emergency Plan Updated

    Review and update your emergency plan annually to ensure all information stays current. Outdated contact details or locations could delay your response during critical moments. Remember to revise your plan whenever you move to reflect your new location and circumstances.

  • Emergency kits are a vital part of your family's Emergency Plan. Here are some helpful resources and guides:

    • Get Ready - detailed Emergency Kit list here.

    • Get Ready - quick Emergency Kit List here.

    Tip: Prepare a "grab and go" bag for evacuations

    Create a list of essential items you'd need if you had to leave quickly. Consider what personal belongings would be crucial if you couldn't access your home for several days and make sure your kit includes special personal items for each family member. Have a list of medications and/or health required equipment on the fridge so they can be quickly included.

  • There are many ways you can help prepare your home for an emergency/disaster.

    • Get Ready Qld has a handy checklist for how to prepare your home for dangerous weather, found here.

    • For more information, tips and ideas on how to protect your home, please head here and here.

    • Are you interested in improving your home’s resilience? Find out more here.

    • Curious how to most effectively use sandbags? Find out here.

    • Krisis Flood Bags are designed to withstand water for extended periods of time, even if fully submerged. They come in a number of different sizes, ranging from storage for small belongings to some that fit a whole room full of furniture. Find out more here. They can also be purchased online via Bunnings.

  • Get to know your neighbours:

    • You might choose to write a small note to introduce yourself, use a resource such as this one from Red Cross or perhaps you'd prefer the old-school approach of knocking on their door with a lasagne. Whatever feels comfortable and safe for you is a wonderful way to start connecting with your neighbourhood.

    • Most neighbourhoods now have Facebook groups - you can usually find them by searching for your suburb or postcode.

    • Some neighbourhoods throw street parties - ask your neighbours or check your local Facebook group to find out about upcoming events!

    Begin gathering useful information:

    • Resilient Uki demonstrates how a community can work together to create a comprehensive neighbourhood disaster plan. Here are the key steps:

      1. Spread community surveys, with an example found here:

      • Identify neighbours who can provide assistance (assets, knowledge, and skills)

      • Identify neighbours who might need assistance (moving furniture, sharing generators, storing items at height, relocating vehicles)

    Establish clear roles and responsibilities:

    • coordinators for communication

    • practical assistance

    • managing information and resources

    Set up communication systems and networks:

    • consider using platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, email, and/or mobile phones.

    Connect with other communities who have experience - seek and share wisdom:

    • Resilient Uki:A group of community volunteers living on the land of the Bundjalung People, in the shadow of Wollumbin mountain, along the Tweed River and the many creeks and springs that feed it.

    • Resilient Kurilpa:A voluntary network of residents and representatives from organisations based in Kurilpa, referring to the suburbs on the river-bounded peninsula of Highgate Hill, South Brisbane, West End and Hill End.

    • Oxley Creek Estate: A facebook page for residents of the following streets: Heathrow, Thornburgh, Aldersgate, Prestwick, Gregwal, Epworth, Wilpowell, and adjacent parts of Cliveden Ave and Oxley Road.

    • Would you like to add your community here? Let us know!

    • Register for Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts here.

    • Read about ‘preparing your mind’ here.

    • Read about ‘disaster proofing your finances’ here.

    • Consider how you can support your neighbours and those impacted emotionally by watching a webinar on Psychological First Aid here.

    • Consider downloading Apps for in Emergencies